Businesses of all sizes need to be aware of complications that can be caused by a lack of bird control. Whether a pest bird population is causing a health hazard, damaging your property or simply projecting an unprofessional image to clients and customers, it’s essential that you address the problem head on and make an informed decision about which type of bird pest control is right for you.
Identifying Your Problem
Have pigeons made your awning their litter box or decided a cornice over your shop front is now home for the next few months? Depending on how pest birds are affecting you, different bird pest control tactics will be required. There are three common reasons that business owners will typically need bird control.
Contamination
Bird fouling in any quantity can cause problems and it’s often difficult to clean up. Not only is it unpleasant to look at, but it can contaminate water sources and air conditioning systems, can create a slipping hazard and can even damage property over time through acid erosion. There is also the related debris such as nesting material and feathers.
In slightly more unusual circumstances, you may find that pest birds such as crows, rooks and ravens will destroy your property for pure entertainment. It’s not unheard of for these birds to tear the putty from the edges windows, peck at glass and mirrors and even drops rocks onto glass from a great height.
Secondary insect infestations
The spread of secondary insect infestations is also a risk to your business. Fleas carried on the feathers of the birds, moths within the nesting materials and even cockroaches feeding from the fouling are a possibility when pest birds are present.
Spread of disease
In addition to the above, you may also choose to seek out bird control for your business due to the possibility of birds spreading diseases. Birds and their droppings can transmit more than 60 diseases; pass on any number of bacteria to humans.
Bird Control Types
Bird netting
Bird netting is one of the most common and effective methods of bird pest control. By encapsulating an area with netting, birds are prevented from gaining access into the protected area.
Although self-assemble kits are available online; the effective installation of bird netting is an art, with training and experience required.
Slack netting, with insufficient fixings can easily fail; meaning that birds could become tangled in the netting or simply re-enter the area which was supposed to be proofed. Getting a professional installation means you can avoid these failings or complications further down the line.
Anti-perch spikes
Anti-perch equipment such as spikes is a great, unobtrusive option for bird control. With these, you can still maintain your business’ professional appearance and no one will be any the wiser that you once had an issue with pest birds. The pins of the spikes stop birds from perching, roosting or nesting on your property. This method of proofing is humane and even advocated by the RSPB.
Spring wire system
Similar to anti-perch spikes, spring wire system which is also known as bird wire is another effective anti-perch method of proofing. This system is often used on listed buildings due to the discreet appearance once installed, but equally can be used anywhere that requires prevention of roosting or perching pest birds.
The system can be adhered or intrusively drilled into place, depending on the fabric of the building to which it is to be installed.
Safeguard Pest Control has undertaken many bird control projects for businesses big and small. Our experts would be happy to provide you with advice and answer any questions you may have about choosing the right bird control tactic for your business. Please get in touch via our online contact form or call us on 0800 328 4931.
